Maker Space Scholarship Program

Maker Space Scholarship Overview

2026 - 27 Cohort

Benjamin Bridges runs Strata Printing, an additive manufacturing business in Knoxville that blends 3D printing engineering with fine art. With a background in Biochemistry and Cellular & Molecular Biology from the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, he specializes in large-format sculptural and architectural work, from custom designs to high-fidelity scale models. His goal is to create ambitious, large-scale artistic work while making 3D printing more accessible to Knoxville’s maker and entrepreneur community.

He will work at the KnoxMakers / Spark! building, in South Knoxville.

Aliya Alewine is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores identity, migration, memory, and community through textiles, photography, and mixed media. Born in London and raised in Japan, Venezuela, and Trinidad, her work is informed by a cross-cultural perspective and a deep interest in storytelling, ancestral knowledge, and belonging. She holds a BFA in Painting and Drawing and an MS in Mental Health Counseling, bringing a trauma-informed, community-centered approach to her creative practice. Her current work investigates how art can preserve cultural memory, foster connection, and create spaces for collective healing

She will work at The Roots Collective, in East Knoxville.

Nyssa Collins is a puppeteer, animator, and multimedia artist living in Knoxville, TN. She makes experimental and humorous works that are driven by big questions of how the world works and what it is like to be a human. Her work is influenced by deep histories, American culture, and popular science. She has an MFA in Time Based Art from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

She will work at the Broadway Studios and Gallery, in North Knoxville.

Let's make space for what's next - together.

PROGRAM GOALS

Increase access to professional tools and studio environment

Support emerging makers who lack adequate workspace

Strengthen connections between local maker studios and the broader maker community

Foster creative entrepreneurship in Knoxville

MAKER BENEFITS

Maker Space Access:

1 year, paid studio and/or equipment access fees
Access to Base Co-working + benefits

Education & Mentorship:

Business 101 and e-commerce classes
Program mentor

Visibility & Celebration:

Community visibility through online promotion

APPLICATION TIMELINE

April: Applications open to makers, creatives and artists

May: Independent jury reviews and scores applications

June: Selected applicants matched with participating maker spaces based on discipline and available space

August: Residencies begin

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

Space Membership Commitment
- Follow the expectations of the participating maker space.
Commitment of Time:
- Regular, consistent use of the space (minimum expectation: 10+ hours/week or as agreed with maker space)
- Clear communication of scheduling needs or constraints
Financial Contribution:
- A 10%/month (max $50) participation fee will be collected. This deposits into a fund that directly applies to the following years’ cohort
Engagement & Professional Growth:
- Participate in Knoxville Entrepreneur Center business growth programming and mentorship
- Define and actively pursue a specific project or body of work during the scholarship year
- Develop skills in business strategy, marketing, and community engagement
Community Participation:
- Participate in 3 open houses and community events hosted by the maker space and/or The Maker City
- Share progress with The Maker City through quarterly updates (for storytelling and reporting)
Final Show:
- Present work at the final gallery show, June or July 2027.